At The Sills Law Firm, we are dedicated to achieving the specific goals of each individual client in the most effective and efficient manner. Utilizing our experience combined with an aggressive and innovative approach, our attorneys strive to deliver a client experience combining the results and resources of a big law firm with the care and compassion of a small-town lawyer. With offices conveniently located in Hartford and Waterbury and a technology-driven mobile approach, our attorneys are truly here to serve the Connecticut community. The Sills Law Firm will be with you every step of the way in your criminal defense or DUI defense. Contact us today and invest in a better tomorrow.
Best Criminal Lawyer in Connecticut
Delena Brown
Criminal Lawyer
A lifelong resident of Connecticut, Delena and her husband Pat were married and began practicing law together in 2016. They live together with their twin daughters. Delena began her career as a law clerk with the Connecticut Superior Court for the Hartford Judicial District. In this role, she coordinated proceedings, interacted with Judges, counsel, jurors and handled evidence and evidentiary matters in Part A criminal trials. Delena practices criminal and personal injury law. She handles complex Part A and federal criminal matters throughout Connecticut. She has distinguished herself as one of the few people who has secured the release of an accused on parole who was convicted of murder as a juvenile.
Delena graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 2014, where she earned her Juris Doctor and Tax Certificate. While in law school, she served as Legislative Clerk to the House Democrat’s Caucus where she researched and authored memoranda concerning pending legislation, administrative law, and Freedom of Information requests. Additionally, Delena participated in the UCONN Law Poverty Clinic and attended Social Security Disability and housing hearings on behalf of low income clients in the Waterbury area.
Pat Brown
Criminal Lawyer
Attorney J. Patten Brown, III was born in Greenville, Mississippi and lived most of his young life in Guatemala City, Guatemala. He holds a B.A. in History and Political Science from Ole Miss. His Juris Doctor was awarded by the Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Louisiana State University. In school, he was a member of several social, athletic, and professional organizations from the Pi Kappa Alpha social fraternity to his participation in ROTC. After his military service, he began working for a large regional law firm out of New Orleans practicing oil and gas law. After a few years, he entered private practice. He has two older sons who graduated from high school in the West Hartford, CT area. One graduated from LSU and is an aide to a member of Congress in Washington, D.C. and one attends the University of Alabama. He and his partner/wife Delena welcomed their twin daughters to the world in 2019 and are raising their family here in the Farmington Valley. Attorney Brown has tried in excess of 200 jury trials and has an established record of successfully gaining fair settlements for his clients and not guilty verdicts at trial.
Law Offices of Pat Brown is a true family law firm with a diverse team of lawyers and paralegals here to assist you and your family. We are always mindful of the impact an arrest or an injury can have on your loved ones and will keep that in mind.
TJ Morelli-Wolfe
Criminal Lawyer
I am a graduate of Missouri State University and Washington College of Law at American University. With over 25 years of practice, I’m an experienced and trusted lawyer who excels in uncovering even the smallest details, ultimately helping my clients gain what is rightfully theirs. I’ve also been recognized on more than one occasion by the Connecticut Bar Association for my outstanding pro bono work.
I reside in Connecticut with my family and am active in the local community. From the Board of Education for the RHAM Regional School District to the local youth and high school soccer and lacrosse programs, you can find me serving and enjoying the community with my wife and three daughters. I’m also a certified open water scuba diver and enjoy basketball, swimming, tennis, soccer, running, and weightlifting.
JONATHAN SILLS
Criminal Lawyer
As a Connecticut criminal defense attorney at The Sills Law Firm, he has had the opportunity to defend individuals from a wide range of criminal charges, including DUI. He regularly represents clients before the Department of Motor Vehicles to protect their driving privileges amidst DUI charges. He also assists individuals who wish to file for an appeal of their criminal or administrative cases. His determination and resourcefulness has led to many successful results.
Salvatore Bonanno
Criminal Lawyer
Attorney Salvatore Bonanno has over 30 years of experience in the Connecticut Judicial System. Possessing extensive litigation and courtroom experience in criminal defense, DUI defense, and civil litigation, Attorney Bonanno is confident in many areas of the law. He has conducted trials, depositions, custody, and evidentiary hearings. In addition, he has conducted appellate work, including oral argument at U.S. 2nd Circuit Court and Connecticut Appellate Court.
Attorney Bonanno has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Fairfield University and a Juris Doctorate from the Quinnipiac School of Law. He was admitted to the Connecticut Bar in 1987. He has been admitted to the Connecticut Superior Court, Connecticut Appellate Court, and the Connecticut Supreme Court. He is also admitted to the Federal District Court for the District of Connecticut and the United States Supreme Court. Attorney Bonanno is also a member of the Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and a past Chairman of the Criminal Justice Committee of the Hartford County Bar Association.
LINDY R. URSO
Criminal Lawyer
Lindy Urso is an experienced, highly accomplished Stamford criminal lawyer who was admitted to practice in California in 1995 and Connecticut in 1997 and has been providing top quality representation to clients in Connecticut State Courts and Federal Courts in the tri-state area for over 25 years. Attorney Urso has handled matters ranging from Murder, Racketeering, Robbery, Rape, Extortion, Assault and Larceny, to Child Pornography, Bank Fraud, Tax Evasion, Drugs, Domestic Violence, and DUI — and everything in between.
One thing that sets Lindy Urso apart is his extensive successful criminal trial experience. Attorney Urso is perhaps best known for getting “The Driver” acquitted of the Murder of infamous Greenwich CT real estate swindler Andrew Kissel, which trial was the object of intense national television scrutiny and which is the subject of the CBS – 48 Hours Mystery episode entitled Follow the Money. He has obtained numerous other jury acquittals for such charges as Murder, Attempted Murder, Assault in the 1st Degree, Sexual Assault in the 1st Degree, Assault on a Police Officer and Burglary. That history of trial experience and success, along with his reputation for honesty and integrity, have enabled Lindy to achieve favorable results for his clients for over two decades.
Scott Carlson
Criminal Lawyer
Attorney Scott Carlson focuses his practice on representing clients injured or accused of crimes in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. From a young age, he was drawn to the practice of law because of its ability to allow him to help others. He now pairs his desire to help others with his passion for the law, to zealously advocate for those who have been involved in traumatic life events. Above all, Attorney Carlson believes in making himself accessible to his clients, and providing straightforward answers to his client’s difficult questions.
After law school, Attorney Carlson served a one-year clerkship with the Rhode Island Supreme Court’s Law Clerk Department, where he assisted in the disposition and resolution of numerous civil and criminal matters. During this time, Attorney Carlson:
- Prepared decisions
- Provided recommendations
- Performed research on a vast array of complex legal issues
After his clerkship, Attorney Carlson worked at a law firm in Massachusetts, where he defended insurance companies and businesses from claims of negligence and bad faith. It was during this time that Attorney Carlson obtained familiarity with how insurance companies and businesses value and defend cases, from initial claim to trial, and now uses this information to obtain the best results possible for his clients.
Jack O’Donnell
Criminal Lawyer
Jack O’Donnell is a 1976 graduate of Wesleyan University. He received his law degree from Western New England College School of Law in 1980. Jack mainly focuses in the area of criminal defense (including felonies, misdemeanors, DWIs and other motor vehicle violations) and juvenile delinquency matters. He has 43 years of experience in handling personal injury matters (including motor vehicle accidents and slip-and-falls) as well. Jack is admitted to practice before the Connecticut state courts as well as the U.S. District Court, District of Connecticut. He is a member of the Connecticut Bar Association, the Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and the Association of Trial Lawyers of America.
Areas of Practice
- Criminal Defense
- Personal Injury Law
Bar Admissions
- Connecticut
- U.S. District Court District of Connecticut
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Connecticut Bar Association
- Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
- Association of Trial Lawyers of America
- New Haven County Bar Association
Education
- Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 1976
- Western New England College School of Law, Springfield, Massachusetts, 1980
Christine L. Landis
Criminal Lawyer
Christine Landis (previously Gertsch), a partner with the Firm, has been with the Firm since 2014. Since then, she has focused on criminal defense, and regularly appears in Connecticut’s state and federal criminal courts. She represents clients in felony and misdemeanor cases, and is experienced with all aspects of Connecticut criminal procedure and the court process from investigation or arrest through disposition.
While Christine handles all criminal charges, she co-chairs the Firm’s Domestic Violence and Sex Assault Crimes Practice Groups. Since 2014, Christine’s advocacy has led to the dismissal of over 100 felony and misdemeanor cases. Christine is also an experienced trial attorney, having tried both jury and bench trials to verdict.
In addition, Christine represents the Firm’s clients in Department of Children Families (“DCF”) investigations. She is also experienced in Connecticut juvenile courts, and has successfully helped both minors facing juvenile charges and their families.
Christine practices frequently in Connecticut Federal Court, where she has represented clients charged with federal crimes, clients being investigated or who have received United States Attorney target letters, and clients who are cooperating with the United States government in investigations.
Christine is also experienced in representing clients in front of state agencies. She has represented clients in investigations and hearings in front of Connecticut’s Office of Early Childhood, Department of Public Health, and Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities.
Nutmeg State Navigation: Why You Need a Top-Tier Criminal Lawyer in Connecticut
Facing criminal charges in Connecticut can feel like getting lost in a quintessential fall foliage maze – beautiful on the surface, but disorienting and potentially leading you down the wrong path. The Connecticut criminal justice system, while known for its fairness, can be complex and unforgiving. Here’s why securing a top-tier criminal lawyer in Connecticut is crucial for protecting your freedom and achieving the best possible outcome:
1. Unmatched Knowledge of Connecticut’s Legal Landscape:
Connecticut has its own unique set of criminal codes, statutes, and court decisions. A top-tier criminal lawyer licensed in Connecticut possesses an in-depth understanding of these nuances, allowing them to:
- Decode the Legal Labyrinth: They can meticulously analyze your case within the framework of the Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) and interpret key court rulings that may influence the prosecution’s strategy and your potential defenses.
- Stay Current on Legal Developments: The legal landscape is constantly evolving. Your lawyer actively monitors changes in Connecticut criminal law, ensuring your defense strategy reflects the most up-to-date legal principles and leverages any recent rulings that could benefit your case.
- Identify Location-Specific Issues: Connecticut counties or cities may have their own local ordinances or procedures. Your lawyer’s deep understanding of the state’s legal landscape allows them to identify any potential location-specific issues that could impact your case.
2. Navigating Local Courts and Prosecutors with Confidence:
Experience is key in Connecticut’s courtrooms:
- Familiarity with Local Legal Players: Top criminal lawyers who have practiced extensively in Connecticut are familiar with the local courts, judges, and prosecutors. They understand the unique tendencies and strategies employed by different stakeholders in the criminal justice system. This familiarity allows them to navigate the system effectively and advocate for you with confidence.
3. Building a Rock-Solid Defense Through Meticulous Investigation:
A top criminal lawyer in Connecticut doesn’t wait for the prosecution to make a move:
- Thorough Case Assessment: They will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your case, meticulously analyzing the evidence, witness statements, and any potential legal issues. They will identify strengths and weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and gather evidence to support your defense.
4. Championing Your Rights Under Connecticut Law:
Your fundamental rights are paramount:
- Protecting Your Constitutional Rights: The best criminal attorneys in Connecticut are dedicated to protecting your constitutional rights throughout the legal process. They will ensure that your rights, such as the right to legal representation, the right to a fair trial, and the right against self-incrimination, are upheld. They will closely scrutinize the actions of law enforcement officers, ensuring your rights were not violated during the investigation or arrest. (https://courts.delaware.gov/)
5. Negotiating for the Best Possible Outcome:
Skilled negotiation can be a powerful tool:
- Expert Negotiation Skills: A competent criminal attorney possesses excellent negotiation skills and can engage in plea bargaining with the prosecution. They will advocate for reduced charges, minimized penalties, or alternative sentencing options, if appropriate.
6. Courtroom Advocacy: Powerful Representation When Needed:
If your case goes to trial, having a seasoned lawyer by your side is crucial:
- Trial Ready Attorneys: The best criminal lawyers in Connecticut have extensive courtroom experience, including knowledge of trial strategies, effective presentation skills, and the ability to cross-examine witnesses. They will fight vigorously to defend your rights and interests in the courtroom.
7. Sentencing Expertise: Mitigating Potential Consequences:
A knowledgeable criminal attorney can still fight for you even after a conviction:
- Understanding Sentencing Guidelines: In the event of a conviction, a knowledgeable criminal attorney will work to mitigate the consequences during the sentencing phase. They understand Connecticut’s sentencing guidelines and laws and can present mitigating factors, such as your character, background, and any extenuating circumstances, which may lead to a more favorable sentence.
8. Emotional Support and Guidance During a Difficult Time:
The legal process can be emotionally draining:
- Understanding and Empathy: The best criminal attorneys in Connecticut not only provide legal guidance but also offer emotional support. They understand the emotional toll of facing criminal charges and will provide reassurance, address your concerns, and guide you through the legal process with compassion.